SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) affects up to 15% of the population and causes bloating, abdominal pain, and malabsorption. Ginger is one of the most promising natural treatments due to its prokinetic and antimicrobial properties.
How Ginger Acts on SIBO
SIBO develops when the migrating motor complex (MMC) — the natural "sweeping" of the small intestine between meals — malfunctions. Bacteria proliferate in an area that is normally sparsely colonized.
Ginger directly stimulates the MMC via its gingerols and shogaols, which activate 5-HT3 and 5-HT4 serotonergic receptors in the intestinal wall. A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology (2018) shows that 1200 mg of ginger/day accelerates gastric emptying by 25% and significantly increases small intestine motility.
Triple Action Against SIBO
- Natural Prokinetic: stimulates peristalsis and the MMC, preventing bacterial stagnation
- Selective Antimicrobial: 6-gingerol inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria (E. coli, Klebsiella) while preserving beneficial lactobacilli
- Anti-inflammatory ginger: reduces intestinal mucosal inflammation caused by bacterial toxins (LPS)
Recommended Dosage for SIBO
Clinical studies use between 500 mg and 2000 mg of ginger extract/day, divided before meals to maximize the prokinetic effect. In practice:
- Acute phase: 1-2 INTI shots (5-10 ml diluted) 20 minutes before each meal
- Maintenance: 1 INTI shot in the morning on an empty stomach to keep the MMC active
The turmeric present in INTI enhances the action by modulating intestinal NF-κB, reducing the chronic inflammation that perpetuates SIBO.
SIBO and Sugar: Why INTI is Ideal
SIBO patients must avoid fermentable sugars (low-FODMAP diet). With only 1.19 g of sugar/100 ml and zero added sugar, INTI is SIBO-compatible — unlike shots containing cane sugar (up to 34 g/100 ml) which directly feed excess bacteria.
Ginger + Turmeric Synergy in SIBO
The ginger-turmeric combination in INTI offers a complementary approach:
- Ginger stimulates motility (mechanical cause of SIBO)
- Turmeric reduces mucosal inflammation (consequence of SIBO)
- Black pepper improves curcumin absorption by 2000%
Preclinical studies (2022) show that this combination reduces small intestinal bacterial load by 40% in 4 weeks.
Conclusion
Ginger is a powerful ally against SIBO thanks to its triple prokinetic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory action. INTI Drink — with its organic ginger from Peru, turmeric, and total absence of added sugar — is the ideal supplement for people suffering from intestinal bacterial overgrowth.